India's Modi calls for open supply routes and fewer trade barriers

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged BRICS nations to remove major trade barriers and protect shipping lanes during the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi. Modi stated that India builds "economic bridges" and signs free trade agreements to counter global protectionism.

He also invited nations to use India's Unified Payments Interface model and partner with India's expanding startup and manufacturing sectors, emphasizing that global trade fails without secure sea lanes, open supply routes, and safe seafarers. India remains a strong supporter of freedom of navigation.